Alaric was unaware of the internal struggle and decision-making process of the Black Dragon Princess.
However, he had indeed considered the possibility of her betrayal and had made preparations in advance.
At the very least, he had long prepared a Silence spell scroll to ensure that the moment she attempted to expose them, she would be rendered speechless.
Although he had entertained the idea of enslaving and conquering her after capturing her, the specific way to handle this captive still required careful consideration.
After all, the Black Dragon Princess in the original storyline was by no means a simple character.
She had toyed with countless scheming nobles of Stormwind Kingdom as if they were mere playthings, proving the depth of her cunning. Such a woman would not be easily controlled.
Using her to infiltrate Grim Batol was, in a sense, also a test.
If she fully cooperated during this process, it would prove that she was genuinely willing to submit.
After all, the existence of the Demon Soul not only affected Deathwing's dominance over the dragonflights but also had a direct impact on her own plans for freedom.
If, however, she attempted to betray them, Alaric had ways to ensure she suffered the consequences of her actions. But if that were the case, it would prove how difficult it was to tame this proud dragoness.
He would then have to reconsider how to handle her in the future—perhaps treating her as nothing more than a living weapon.
Alaric was no naive saint; he could be ruthless when necessary.
The Black Dragon Princess was unaware that her choices had spared her from a tragic fate.
...
With no further doubts about the mission, the group rested briefly before leaving their hidden chamber. Under the guidance of Onyxia, who had transformed into an orc, they proceeded forward.
Onyxia's disguised orc identity held a relatively high status within the Dragonmaw Clan.
The group moved through Grim Batol with little obstruction—either due to her status or simply because the security here was lax.
After all, the Alliance was still on the continent of Lordaeron and had not yet crossed the sea.
This region was entirely controlled by the Horde, and the orcs guarded their knowledge of the dragons with extreme secrecy.
The Dragonmaw Clan had never considered the possibility of an Alliance infiltration.
Before long, they arrived at the largest plaza in the fortress. Chains and torches lined the area, which the orcs used as a dragon-training ground.
Large and small dragons were shackled with iron chains while orcs lashed them with whips, attempting to tame them.
At this moment, however, the number of dragons present was not very large. Besides two or three adult dragons, most were merely hatchlings.
Many chains and enclosures were empty—most likely, the other adult dragons had been taken away to escort the fleet.
Onyxia's arrival did not interrupt the orcs' work. They merely offered brief salutations to their superior before continuing their tasks.
Unconcerned, Onyxia headed straight toward the far end of the plaza.
Alaric noticed a massive red dragon lying there.
Compared to the other adult red dragons present, as well as the one he had encountered previously, this red dragon was significantly larger.
His very claws dwarfed the hatchlings, and his deep crimson scales hinted at immense power.
Despite his imposing size and commanding presence, his eyes were filled with wisdom, instantly revealing that he was not merely a powerful beast, but a sage-like figure.
Yet, at this moment, his gaze was clouded with boundless agony.
As the group moved closer, they saw an orc who dressed differently from the rest, pacing back and forth while speaking to the red dragon.
This was an elderly orc. Unlike his kin, who typically wore crude armor, he was clad in a black robe adorned with bone spikes and a skull.
He was hunched over, a pouch hanging from his waist, and as he spoke, he rummaged through it as if searching for something.
Once they were close enough, they could hear the old orc's words.
"...Submit, you enormous lizard. If you choose to cooperate, you will no longer have to endure such pain."
"You... you're dreaming!" The dragon's thunderous roar rumbled like a storm. "I will never betray our queen... and you... will never lure her here..."
"Why resist?" The old orc shook his head. "Must I make you suffer before you finally comply?"
His hand continued searching the pouch, and soon, the enormous red dragon let out another cry of agony.
"That's him... I think the word they use is... warlock. His name is Nekros Skullcrusher. Damn, their names are always so unpleasant," Onyxia whispered to Alaric, who remained hidden. "The artifact is in his hands."
Alaric nodded and kept his gaze on Nekros.
After a while, Nekros finally withdrew his hand from the pouch, and the dragon's cries gradually subsided.
Then, Nekros took a few steps forward and spoke again.
"Well, lizard, do you have anything else to say?"
"Let me die already..." the dragon growled.
Nekros snorted in disdain. This was not the first red dragon to refuse submission. Yet, under the torment of the Demon Soul, they had all eventually broken, sending distress calls that lured their kin into the Horde's trap.
Most of the red dragons captured here had fallen victim to such deceptions.
Just as Nekros was about to continue, the red dragon suddenly turned his head sharply and lunged at him.
Nekros saw nothing but the dark abyss of the dragon's throat, realizing with horror that he was about to become its next meal. His stomach churned violently at the thought.
In that moment, he realized he had gotten too close. While the chains and the Demon Soul had kept the dragon at bay before, he had now unknowingly put himself within striking distance.
Panicked, Nekros stumbled and fell to the ground. Frantically, he shoved his hand back into the pouch. Just before the dragon's jaws could snap shut around him, the creature suddenly froze in place under some invisible force.
A moment later, agonized howls echoed throughout the cavern, shaking loose small stones from the ceiling.
"Damn it, why didn't that bite finish him off?" Vereesa muttered in frustration.
"The orc's artifact is in his pocket," Alaric whispered. "Get into position and be ready. We'll take him down in one move and seize the artifact."
"Understood." The others nodded.
Vereesa found a vantage point atop a nearby rock wall, while Garona disappeared like a shadow into the surrounding darkness.
Kurdran, however, remained where he was, gripping his warhammer and axe, ready to intercept any incoming orcs.
Alaric left Onyxia where she stood, then unsheathed the Infinity Blade and stealthily moved toward Nekros' back.
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